DUI charges are not merely a bad night out with the worst possible end. Law enforcement officers are trained to use subtle, almost undetectable clues to determine if you have been drinking. The trick is detecting these clues and avoiding them altogether if you have been drinking. Practicing self-control and avoiding bad situations will help in your battle against a DUI charge. Here are some tips to help you avoid a DUI charge.
1. Drive Slowly
Many people speed to try to make up for how drunk they are. Driving slowly will lessen any suspicion you may have aroused while driving and keep you from making more mistakes that could lead to a DUI arrest. By driving slowly, you will be able to respond more appropriately to any problems that may arise on the road and avoid causing an accident. If you cause an accident, your damage will likely be less severe, and you will have a better chance of making a good impression on the police by not blaming everything on them.
2. Pull Over Calmly
If law enforcement officers suspect you have been drinking, they ask you to pull over. The worst thing you can do is try to hide the fact that you are drunk. If you try to hide it, the law enforcement officer will be alerted and may think that a DUI charge is necessary. It is best to pull over calmly and let the law enforcement officer know as soon as possible that you have been drinking. This may avoid a DUI charge altogether if they believe your state of mind is sound.
3. Maintain Eye Contact With Officers
There is a subtle clue that law enforcement officers use to determine if you are drunk. They will look for a lack of eye contact with the officer and a nervous, shifty appearance. Excessive eye contact can be misleading, so if you have been drinking, maintain some eye contact with the officer to avoid looking suspicious. With a lack of eye contact, it will seem like you are a little unsure about what is happening, and this may increase the chance that you will be arrested for DUI.
4. Speak Calmly
Speak calmly and clearly to avoid suspicion. A slight slur in your speech may be seen as a sign that you are intoxicated. Speak slowly and clearly, especially if you have been drinking. The more you talk, the more likely it is that you will lose control over the speech that you have. It is best to remain silent and let your words come out slowly in a calm voice so your statement can be judged objectively.
If you have been drinking, it is best to avoid situations that may lead to a DUI charge. If you get involved in a case where a DUI charge may be necessary, maintain your composure and stay silent. It will help keep your chances of getting arrested for a DUI low if you can avoid the situation altogether. These charges are serious, and the penalties can be stiff. Like most things, it is best to avoid a DUI completely rather than risking arrest or, even worse, a DUI charge. If you or anyone you know is charged with a drunk driving offense and would like legal representation, contact a DUI lawyer in your area today.